Samaná Full-Day Tour from Santo Domingo: Waterfall & Island

A 45-meter waterfall, a palm-lined island, and the bay in a single day

This full-day tour from Santo Domingo covers four stops across Samaná: the Atlantic viewpoint at Las Terrenas, El Limón Waterfall where you swim in a natural pool, a boat ride through the bay, and Cayo Levantado (Bacardí Island) for beach time. The tour includes lunch, round-trip transport from Santo Domingo, and a professional guide. It runs 8 hours and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. El Limón Waterfall2h · entry included
2. Cayo Levantado2h

Explore Samaná's natural and cultural sites

• Stop at Atlantic viewpoint
• Drive through Las Terrenas boulevard
• Visit and swim at El Limón Waterfall
• Boat ride to Bacardí Island
• Swim at Bacardí Island beach

The experience

The day starts at the Mirador del Atlántico in Las Terrenas, where you get views across the ocean before moving through the Boulevard of Las Terrenas to see the city's beaches. Then comes El Limón Waterfall: a 45-meter drop into a natural pool surrounded by dense tropical forest. You swim here, which is the centerpiece of the morning. After that, a boat carries you out into Samaná Bay to Cayo Levantado (also called Bacardí Island), where palm and coconut trees line white sand and the water is shallow and clear enough to wade far out.

Lunch is included, and the guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and two additional languages, so the commentary reaches most travelers. Round-trip transport from Santo Domingo means no rental car or separate transfer booking. Children from age 1 are welcome, though the waterfall hike and boat time shape the day's rhythm.

What’s included

• Lunch.
• round-trip transport from Santo Domingo.
• professional guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French and two additional languages.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years): free

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Shelting Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks five languages, so if English, Spanish, Italian or French is your language, you follow the commentary without translation. If you speak one of the two additional languages the guide offers, confirm which ones when you book.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (5 to 9 years); Infant (1 to 4 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is El Limón Waterfall from Santo Domingo, and do I have to hike to reach it?

El Limón Waterfall sits in the Samaná region, roughly 90 minutes from Santo Domingo by road. The waterfall itself requires a walk through forest to reach the base, but the tour is suitable for all fitness levels and the walk is manageable for most travelers.

What is Cayo Levantado like, and how much time do you spend there?

Cayo Levantado (Bacardí Island) is a small island in Samaná Bay with white sand, shallow turquoise water, and dense palm and coconut forest. The boat ride gets you there, and you have time to swim and walk the beach before returning to Santo Domingo.

Is the waterfall swim mandatory, or can I skip it?

The tour includes a swim at the natural pool beneath El Limón Waterfall, and it is the main activity at that stop. If swimming is not for you, let the guide know when you book or arrive, and you can stay at the pool's edge or explore the area on foot.

What time does the tour leave Santo Domingo, and when do I get back?

The tour is 8 hours total and includes round-trip transport from Santo Domingo. Exact pickup times depend on your hotel location. Confirm the schedule when you book.

Is lunch included, and are there dietary options?

Lunch is included in the tour price. Mention any dietary needs or restrictions when you book so the guide can arrange something suitable.